Discovering Hobo with a Shotgun’s Molly Dunsworth

We talk to actress Molly Dunsworth about Sundance, armed Hobo's and the Halifax acting scene.

by Fred Topel Apr 8th, 2011

I want to be the one who discovers Molly Dunsworth. I saw Hobo with a Shotgun for Rutger Hauer, but she stood out to me. If you can make me believe the hooker with the heart of gold, that’s better than any Hollywood actress has done. I introduced myself to her after the first Sundance screening and met up with her on Main Street later.

CraveOnline: How has the Hobo phenomenon affected you?

Molly Dunsworth: I guess back in Halifax, everyone’s pretty stoked. It’s kind of a cult thing. Then coming here it was just amazing to see how excited people were and you really feed off the energy.

CraveOnline: Did you get a sense that people were writing about it online?

Molly Dunsworth: A little bit, yeah. I was very impressed. Right after the premiere, we got home and some of the guys were looking up reviews and people had reviews out immediately after they saw the movie. It’s crazy.

CraveOnline: Were you a fan of the violent action and horror movies like Hobo?

Molly Dunsworth: I was, yeah. Not as extremely as the writer and director of course.

CraveOnline: What were some that you caught late at night or at a friend’s house?

CraveOnline: I forget, some people weren’t born yet when Evil Dead II was made.

Molly Dunsworth: I was born in ’90, so…

CraveOnline: What are your other favorite movies?

Molly Dunsworth: Stand By Me. I have so many. The Goonies. The Princess Bride. I love ‘80s movies. Heathers. Heathers has got to be one of my favorites, Pump Up the Volume.

CraveOnline: How did you discover ‘80s movies being born in 1990?

Molly Dunsworth: I watched those probably when I was about 12 years old. I’m fortunate I have older siblings so they shared some of their movie knowledge with me.

CraveOnline: Have you had a chance to see any films at Sundance?

Molly Dunsworth: You know what? I’m ashamed to say no.

CraveOnline: What happened to get you the female lead in Hobo with a Shotgun?

Molly Dunsworth: Well, I guess my older sister Sarah was friends with Jason [Eisener] and Rob [Cotterill] and they made Treevenge, a short film which came to Sundance a few years ago. I had a small part in that so I got to know them all and really liked them. They were talking about Hobo with a Shotgun, sent me the script and the writer actually told me he was writing it with me in mind which was amazing. It still took a while for me to get the part.

CraveOnline: How did you connect with them for the short film?

Molly Dunsworth: Just through my sister I guess. It’s hard for me to look back and think when did I first meet Jason? Quite a few years ago I guess.

CraveOnline: The world of Hobo with a Shotgun looks so crazy, did it just look normal on the set?

Molly Dunsworth: Actually, we shot at this crazy old mental institution in Dartmouth, covered in graffiti. Of course they added some but it was a creepy place. Like all around there just this really strange vibe. There were some parts of course like the hospitals and everything that feel like sets, but for the most part there was just this really creepy vibe with the lighting and everything. It was pretty genius. It really got you into it.

CraveOnline: Did you learn anything from Rutger Hauer?

Molly Dunsworth: Yeah, you know it was really incredible to watch him because sometimes I’d see him on set and think, “What the hell is he doing?” But seeing his final performance really opened my eyes a little bit. I guess he must be a method actor.

CraveOnline: What is the scene for young actors working in Halifax?

Molly Dunsworth: It’s pretty tough. I don’t actually have a Halifax agent right now. There was a casting director who I’m very familiar with so she’ll call people. A lot of people that I know are moving out of Halifax and it’s tough to make a living as an actor but my dad does it.